Stereoscopic Image Generation with Uniform Edge Pixel Offsets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional stereoscopic image generation methods result in uneven black image blocks on the left or right edges of the second image due to non-uniform depth information, affecting the viewing experience.

Innovation Solution

The method adjusts the depth information of edge pixels in the first image using a second depth-information map to ensure uniform pixel offsets, eliminating uneven black image blocks by setting edge pixel depth information to a consistent value, thereby generating a second image without such artifacts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pixel offset processing is performed using depth information from the first depth-information map, then stereoscopic image generation is achieved, but uneven black image blocks appear on the left or right edges of the second image

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestereoscopic image generation qualityVSAvoidedge pixel uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different processing rules to different regions of the image. Specifically, edge pixels (pixels in the first or last columns) are identified and processed differently from internal pixels. The pixel offset for edge pixels is constrained to be uniform (either all 0 or all 1) regardless of their depth information, while internal pixels use their calculated pixel offset based on depth information. This local differentiation eliminates the uneven black image blocks at edges while preserving the depth-based offset for the main image content.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary identification and classification of pixels into edge pixels and internal pixels before performing the pixel offset processing. By pre-marking the edge pixels (setting a flag or identifier for pixels in the first and last columns), the system can apply the uniform offset rule specifically to these pixels during the offset calculation phase, preventing the generation of uneven black blocks before they occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If non-uniform depth information is used for edge pixels, then depth accuracy is maintained, but the viewing experience is degraded due to uneven black image blocks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepth information accuracyVSAvoidviewing experience degradation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of non-uniform edge pixel offsets (which cause uneven black image blocks) into a beneficial uniform offset application. By deliberately setting the pixel offset for all edge pixels to be the same value (either 0 or 1), the patent eliminates the visual artifacts while the depth information itself remains preserved and can be used for other processing purposes. The harm of non-uniform offsets is transformed into the benefit of uniform edge handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentEP4216543B1Stereoscopic image generating device and stereoscopic image generating method
Publication Date: 2025.07.30 ACER INC
  • EP4216543B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4216543B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4216543B1 patent drawingFigure 3(A)~3(D)

AI summary

A stereoscopic image generating method is provided. The method includes: processing a first image to obtain depth data of each pixel in the first image, and generating a first depth-information map, wherein the first depth-information map includes depth information corresponding to each pixel; performing uniform processing on a plurality of edge pixels which are within a predetermined width from a plurality of edges of the first depth-information map, so that the processed edge pixels have the same depth information to establish a second depth-information map; setting a pixel offset corresponding to each pixel in the first image based on the depth information corresponding to each pixel of the second depth-information map; performing pixel offset processing on the first image to generate a second image; and outputting the first image and the second image to the display unit to display a stereoscopic image.